Terms of Reference (TOR): Preparation of a Child-Centric UPR Report

Terms of Reference (ToR)

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a unique mechanism of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) designed to review the human rights records of all UN Member States, including Nepal. The review takes place every four and a half years and is designed to improve human rights globally. This process provides an opportunity for stakeholders, including civil society organizations (CSOs), to assess and report on the progress and challenges in implementing international human rights commitments.

Nepal is a party to various international human rights instruments, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), and has made constitutional and legal commitments to safeguard children’s rights. However, gaps persist in the implementation and realization of these rights, particularly for vulnerable and marginalized children. Nepal has undergone UPR cycles in 2011, 2015, and 2021. For Nepal, the inclusion of a child-focused perspective in the UPR process is critical, given the significant challenges and opportunities surrounding child rights in the country. CZOP is looking for an expert to collaborate on the UPR processes.

Task Title: Preparation of a Child-Centric UPR Report

Duration: Three months

Objective

To contribute towards ensuring the rights of the child in compliance with the Government of Nepal’s obligations by preparing and submitting a child-centric Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report to the Human Rights Council through OHCHR.

Scope of Work

The Consultant/Team will be responsible for the following activities:

1. Consultation with Civil Society and Child Engagement

• Facilitate the engagement of civil society actors including children in the process of drafting the UPR report.
• CZOP will host or coordinate with CSOs, government bodies to organize Workshop, focus group discussions with children impacted with inequality and discrimination to gather inputs from key stakeholders, mostly the child rights activist and children in federal, provincial and local level.

2. Research and Analysis

• Review existing national and international reports, including the implementation status of previous UPR recommendations, to identify gaps and progress in implementation.
• Analyze policies, laws, and practices that affect children, particularly those impacted by inequality and discrimination, with a focus on their alignment with international child rights standards.

3. Drafting the UPR Report

• Prepare a comprehensive and evidence-based child-centric UPR report that highlights key child rights concerns, challenges, and recommendations.
• Ensure the report includes contributions from children and reflects their voices and perspectives and international rights instruments practices. 

4. Stakeholder Coordination

• Liaise with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, CSOs, child rights organizations, and international partners, to validate findings and recommendations.

5. Final Submission

• Finalize the UPR report based on feedback from stakeholders and submit to CZOP.
• The report will be submitted by CZOP to (Human Rights Council via OHCHR) within the stipulated timeframe.

Deliverables

1. Work Plan: A detailed timeline and methodology for the task, submitted within three days of the start date.
2. Stakeholder Consultation Report: A summary of the engagement process with CSOs and children, including key inputs.
3. Draft UPR Report: A preliminary version of the child-centric UPR report for review and feedback.
4. Final UPR Report: A finalized report, ready for submission to the Human Rights Council through OHCHR.

Required Qualifications

• Proven experience in child rights advocacy and report writing.
• In-depth knowledge of the UPR process and international human rights frameworks.
• Strong facilitation and communication skills, particularly with children and CSOs.
• Familiarity with Nepal’s legal and policy environment regarding child rights.

Reporting and Supervision

The Consultant/Team will report to the CZOP Program Manager overseeing the UPR process. Regular updates on progress and challenges will be required throughout the duration of the assignment.

Mode of Payment

The payment releases after submitting the final report with account payee after reducing applicable taxes.

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit the following:

1. A detailed proposal, including methodology, timeline, and budget.
2. Curriculum vitae (CV) of the lead consultant and team members.
3. Samples of previous work, Child rights reports, UPR reports or reporting of any international human rights instruments. 

Deadline for Application: Apply by February 6, 2025, to email czopp.central@gmail.com or Hard copy to the CZOP office.